FLT/LT (RET’D) COLIN S BELL DFC

AE FRICS IRRV (HONS)

We are very pleased to announce that Colin Bell has been awarded free membership of the Royal British Legion in recognition, not only of his centenarian status, but his record with the Royal Air Force.

Colin served in World War 2 as a Mosquito Bomber pilot, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Colin Bell was born in 1921 and joined the RAF towards the end of 1940. His flying training was carried out in the USA prior to their entry into the War (before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour) in December 1941. Following the Pearl Harbour attack, Colin was retained by the American Army Air Corp as an advanced single engine flying instructor responsible for training both American and British cadets. He returned to the UK in 1943 and converted to twin engine Mosquito Bombers and joined 608 Squadron (Pathfinder Group) based at Downham Market in Norfolk.

During his tour of operations Colin carried out 50 bombing raids, all over Germany an 13 of them over Berlin. Subsequently, he was transferred to ferry duties bringing back newly built Mosquitos from Canada to the UK. He ended his full time RAF service in 1946 carrying diplomatic mail to Embassies situated in various parts of Europe and Africa.

Post World War 2, Colin qualified as a Chartered Surveyor and served for many years as a District Valuer and finally set up his own firm specialising in the valuation of industrial premises for rating purposes.

Colin was made a Freeman of the City of London in January 1987.

We are honoured to have Colin as a member of the Sidcup & Foots Cray branch of the RBL and thank him for his incredible service.